Acharya J.B. Kriplani

Consider the following statements:

1. He played a role during the Champaran Satyagraha of 1919, led by Mahatma Gandhi.

2. He was an ardent follower of Gandhiji and promoted socialist principles.

3. He served as the last President of the Indian National Congress (INC) before Indian Independence.

3. He was married to the first woman Chief Minister of India.

Identify the personality based on the above statements:

a) Narahari Parekh

b) Anugrah Narayan Sinha

c) Mahadev Desai

d) J.B. Kriplani

Answer & Solution: D

Enrich your Learning:

About Acharya J.B. Kriplani:

• Jivatram Bhagwandas Kripalani, also known as ‘Acharya,’ played a crucial role in India’s fight against colonialism and worked closely with Gandhi.
• Born in Hyderabad, Sindh, on 11^th November 1888, Kripalani was a known Gandhian and socialist.
• Career: He served as the Indian National Congress president during independence (1946-47), but resigned due to changing dynamics within the party.
• Educationist and Environmentalist: Known for his work in education and social movements, Kripalani earned the title ‘Acharya’ during his teaching years at Gujarat Vidyapith.
• He played a role in India’s freedom movement and met Mahatma Gandhi during the Champaran Satyagraha in 1917.
• Personal life: He was married to Sucheta Kripalani, India’s first woman chief minister.
• They dedicated their lives to spreading Gandhi’s message and serving society. The match was reportedly influenced by Gandhi, as both were his ardent disciples.
• Criticism of Nehru and Indira: Kripalani emerged as a vocal critic of both Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi and led movements against the government (1972-73), and was among the first leaders arrested during the Emergency (1975).
• Despite ideological differences with Nehru, Kripalani’s opposition remained respectful, avoiding personal attacks, even when he moved a no-confidence motion after the Indo-China war in 1962.
• Kripalani’s article “After Nehru” emphasized India’s fight against British imperialism and the continuation of democratic traditions under Nehru’s leadership.